Embracing Our Differences
What a different world this would be if only people could learn to love as Jesus loves. Imagine life without arguing, fighting, bitterness, and jealousy - all forms of hatred. Can you imagine growing up without sibling rivalry, bullying at school or co-workers sabotaging you? Sadly, hate started with Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve, and over time has gotten worse as people have moved further and further away from God. There’s absolutely no room for hatred in the heart of a Christian. In fact, the Bible says in 1 John 4:20-21, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he “has” seen, cannot love God whom he “has not” seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” It doesn’t get clearer than that. Love is a requirement of God’s children. One of the worst forms of hatred is racism. It’s hard to comprehend how anyone could hate someone else merely because of skin color - and yet they do! Hatred doesn’t always manifest itself the same way. It is often expressed as indifference, not caring, or just looking the other way. It’s not enough to simply say, “I’m not a racist.” The real question is, “Are you anti-racist?” The first is merely a statement of defense, but to say you are “anti-racist,” tells people that you are “against” racism. Every follower of Christ should stuanchly declare they are “anti-racist,” and let their daily actions show it. No one is superior or inferior - God loves all His children equally no matter what color their eyes, hair, or skin! Being born with fair skin doesn’t make you better than someone with darker skin - it only makes you different. God created ALL His children differently - not better . . . just different! He wants us to embrace our differences and love each other the same. Love is stronger than hate. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I have decided to stick to love . . . hate is too great a burden to bear.” Your words and actions have the power to heal or destroy lives - so do what God commands in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Text:
Proverbs 10:12,
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. (Proverbs 10:12, ESV)
Romans 13:8-10,
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:8-10, ESV)
Colossians 3:14-15
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:14-15, ESV)
Romans 12:10-21
10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:10-21, ESV)
© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com